Senior Project Manager - Education Construction

Senior Project Manager – Education

Pay Range: $/yr - $/yr (Base salary plus performance bonus structure)

Pave Talent is hiring on behalf of a top‑tier, employee‑owned general contractor with 135+ years of building excellence and a reputation as a leader in complex construction. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape California’s educational infrastructure.

Large‑scale general contractor operating across multiple regions with a culture focused on people first and innovation. Specialized in education, healthcare, data centers, and luxury high‑rises.

Lead transformational education projects ranging from $20M to $50M+. Serve as the strategic business leader from pre‑construction through final closeout, manage DSA compliance, mentor future leaders, and drive quality and safety excellence.

• Manage complete project lifecycle for education construction projects ($20M–$50M+ budgets), ensuring on‑time, on‑budget delivery while maintaining exceptional quality standards
• Lead preconstruction services including estimating, value engineering, and GMP/Lump Sum contract establishment to set projects up for success before ground is broken
• Navigate DSA compliance requirements and coordinate with California’s Division of the State Architect
• Negotiate and execute cost‑effective subcontract agreements across all trades, managing buyout processes that maximize value while maintaining quality and schedule
• Direct change order management and contract administration, protecting project margins while maintaining strong client relationships with school boards and district leadership
• Collaborate daily with superintendents to implement comprehensive safety plans achieving “Target Zero” accidents on active school sites
• Mentor and develop project engineers and assistant project managers, building the leadership pipeline for future growth
• Utilize Procore and Bluebeam daily for project controls, documentation, and real‑time collaboration with stakeholders

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Architecture (or equivalent 12+ years field experience)
• 8–10+ years of commercial construction project management experience at a supervisory level with proven success managing complex projects
• Demonstrated DSA expertise with multiple K‑12 or university projects in California
• Proficiency with Procore project management software and Bluebeam for plan review and collaboration
• Strong knowledge of GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) and Lump Sum contract structures, including preconstruction estimating and cost control systems
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship‑building skills with owners, architects, and subcontractors

• Experience with Turner, Hensel Phelps, DPR, or similar top‑tier general contractors
• LEED AP or other sustainability certifications relevant to education construction
• Track record of mentoring and developing high‑performing project teams
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects or particularly complex education facilities

Base salary ($117,500–$195,800) plus performance bonus; comprehensive medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP); paid vacation, sick leave, educational assistance,  and Class Pass memberships, financial wellness coaching, and voluntary benefit options.

Work on meaningful projects that directly impact students and educators; supported by a culture that values people, professional development, and autonomy, with clear paths to senior leadership and relocation assistance.

Apply via Linked In or connect with a Pave Talent recruiter. Qualified candidates will be contacted within 48 hours. This is a confidential search; your application is fully private.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Project Management

Construction